1 2 21 19 7 7 0 9 211 9 7 1 dec 2014 volume 21 N0.12 $5.95
MMA
dogs
four paw style
take
down
KINGS
best in the business
ultimate fighting Chihuahuas s m o k e y a n d b a n d i t a r e b r o t h e r s a n d l o v e t o p l ay h a r d n o t r e a l f i g h t i n g
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FIT FOR OUR LIFESTYLE Dogs, there are best friends! They love us so much. Finally a magazine dedicated to the lives of dogs that get out there and explore there world with their best friends, us! Welcome to the new world of activities with dogs. They are more like us t han mos t p eop le k now. Get excited about fit K9 and see what where about...
11
meet the NEW UFC ultimate fighting Chihuahuas
13 Benefits of growing up with litter mates. 14 Brothers, male dominance, discipline. 15 Learn to tell are they fighting or playing?
19 THE SPORTING DOGS
21 Golden hunters, a historical perspective. 23 Keep them fit, 8 ways to beat boredom. 24 Cle a n t e e t h, good he a lt h, longe r life .
29 FIT FOR SUMMER HEAT
31 How to keep them cool under the sun. 32 Review indoor dog parks, and dog gyms. 33 Water, lakes, rivers, beaches, even pools.
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EDITOR'S CHOICE I have been working with dogs for the past 15 years. Through the years I have refined my style of training to the understanding of what comes natural to dogs. By understanding their needs I can create a format that allows the whole family to be able to communicate effectively with their dog as they would another family member. Dogs are eager to please and have similar brains to humans, they contemplate on positive and negative consequences. Ultimately your dog wants to make you happy! Happy you, happy dog.
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JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
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MEET THE NEW UFC ULTIMATE FIGHTING
CHIHUAHUAS Small Sassy Charmers By Christine Adkins
the
Smokey & Bandit The only two born in their litter, so we kept them both. They enjoy running on the beach, tag, and MMA four paw style. They really know how to have a good time anywhere.
No, it's not a rat, nor a toy it's a dog, a real dog, with teeth and attitude. Tiny in size but large in spirit, the Chihuahua is one of those highly evolved breeds that has managed to convince most humans that it should be carried around everywhere. Of course for a Chihuahua simply walking down a sidewalk or hanging out in the kitchen can be a risky business. At less than six pounds, a little buddy subjected to a careless misstep by a human can be badly injured. However most Chihuahuas are very affectionate anyhow and prefer cuddling close to their humans. The Chihuahua is an old breed with an obscure history. Most believe that it originated in Mexico with the Mayans, Toltecs and Aztecs, but other less favoured theories suggest Egypt, Malta, or even China. Certainly the indigenous people of Central America kept small dogs that the rich seemed to revere enough to want buried alongside themselves after death. The dogs were apparently ritually sacrificed after their masters died, under the belief that the sins of the master were then transferred to the dog, ensuring safe passage of the soul to its final resting spot. The poor also revered these dogs but tended to appreciate them while still lively enough to eat. Following his ar-
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the
Smokey & Bandit The take down kings l o v e t o l o o k f i e rc e , however it'a all just a game of chase.
JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
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MEET
the
Smokey & Bandit
While small, in modern Chihuahua is a compact, solidly built dog that gives a general impression of alertness and balance. It has a round, apple like skull with low-set, flaring ears and a moderately short muzzle that should emerge from the skull at a 90-de gree angle (i.e., there should be plenty of stop.) The eyes sho uld be wide-set, lar ge and round but not protruding out much.
conquered the grlikely had smallish as ratters, and thhave interbred with
“
Much of the early evidence of the possible Chihuahuan ancestry in the New World is inferred from old manuscripts translated from Spanish,from clay mark figurines, or from other archaeological artifacts on whi A key to interch dogs were engraved. preting skeletal evidence is the presence or absence of something called a molera, which is a soft spot on the top of the head similar to the one found on newborn babies.
CHIHUAHUAS
om one of the northern Mexican states from which some of these dogs were obtained. Brought to the United States, the little fellows gradually gained popularity as pets. They began to be exhibited at dog shows, and in 1904 the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted them recognition as a breed.
rival on the shores of Mexico in 1517, Hernando Cortes found enormous markets with "daily more than sixty thousand souls buying and selling," where all kinds of animals were to be found for sale, including birds, "rabbits, hares, venson, and small dogs whichthey castrate for the table."Some vendors even speciaized in breeding and traficking of dogs, and certain types were considered more delectable than others. The Spaniards who eat Aztec societies dogs on their ships ese may or may not the native dogs.
ULTIMATE FIGHTING
I t's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog
There are two coat varieties, smooth and long, and both shed. twain Smooth coats may or may not have an un dercoat; long coats may be either flat or curly and usually have an undercoat. Often with long coats there is fringing on the ears and feathering on the legs. All colours and all patterns are acceptable in both coat types.
Among modern-day breeds it is considered unique to Chihuahuas (though it is not found on all individuals). The molera, if present, can be felt by gently stroking the top of the head. What is known is that in the mid-1800s, American visitors to Mexico became enthralled with a certain tiny type of dog they found living with the peasants there. The name "Chihuahua" is derived fr-
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�
Dogs heavier than six pounds are considered outside the AKC breed standard but otherwise there are no restrictions on size. There are also no official sub-groupings within the breed (i.e., while some individuals may be especially tiny, there is no "Miniature Chihuahuas or tea cups, etc"). The temperament of the Chihuahua is described as terrier-like. These are
the
the
Smokey & Bandit The grass is where Smokey pours on the speed and Bandit pushes out the power.
JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
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spirited, curious, confident dogs, feisty and brave. Many seem to come into the dog park thinking they're the biggest studs in town. What can be comical is that a much larger dog will often back down from a charging Chihuahua - though from fear or sheer disbelief is not clear. Chihuahuas are excellent watchdogs, loyal and quick to defend their homes and families; however this brave temperament can be a liability in a city where predators like coyotes are common, as the little dogs can easily be snatched and borne away (as can cats who have learned to stand their ground against even large dogs). Playful, intelligent and deeply affectionate, Chihuahuas like little more than to cuddle with their humans. They tend to be excellent apartment-dwellers, as they can get much of the exercise they need indoors and often seem to prefer the comforts of home to the great outdoors. (Concrete? No thanks. Up! Up!) Forget "couch potato" - these are lap potatoes. But it is more than a simple matter of a comfort-loving temperament. Keeping Chihuahuas, especially tho-
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se with single coats, warm in cold or wet weather is something that needs to be taken seriously. All else being equal, small dogs have a lower tolerance for cold than large ones through the basic geometric fact of their body surface The(heat=radiating area) being large relative to their volume (furnace power). Raincoats and sweaters are well worth considering but a vest usualy does it. Chihuahuas do like their food, and it is easy to overfeed them since they are so small. A single piece of kibble is relatively big to a six-pound dog, and treats designed for Labrador-sized beasts are veritable banquets. It is always kinder to keep a dog's weight down to its proper level and particular care must be taken with the tiny breeds. If Chihuahuas have a negative reputation, it is often that they seem "snappy," "yappy" or "sharp." In part this is probably due to their strong attachment to their humans (they are not particularly drawn to strangers) and the fact that everything else in the world is so big. It can also be a result of poor breeding.
the
Smokey & Bandit
never pass up a time to p l a y a t t h e p a r k w i t h t h e i r m a n y K9 f r i e n d s .
However a large factor in the behaviour of any dog derives from the attitudes of its human caregivers. With a dog that can be carried around like a baby and whose bite is a joke (though from personal experience, a Chihuahua bite is not always funny), owners are often overindulgent and can lack a sense of the need for training. A Rottweiler must be trained. A badly behaved or poorly socialized Chihuahua, on the other hand, is unlikely to get an owner into endless amounts of all kinds of trouble. But underneath it all, a Chihuahua is not really all that different from other dogs and is happier with consistent training, fair guidelines and discipline, and a clear sense of who is alpha in the household. (And it's not the dog.) Chihuahuas are extremely trainable dogs, capable
of learning all kinds of cute tricks, but at the minimum they will give their owners much greater pleasure if taught basic manners as all dogs should be. If not, Chihuahua owners will likely find themselves being trained by their clever companions instead. The Chihuahua is a great city dog and a fine little buddy. Contrary to the beliefs of many, it is a true dog if treated as such, and will reward a loving human family with great charm, loyalty and affection. Tiny breeds have special needs but are easier to keep in countless ways. If your lifestyle suits a Chihuahua, a Chihuahua may suit you.
underneath it all, a Chihuahua is not really all that different from other dogs - and is happier with consistent training, fair guidelines and discipline, and a clear sense of who is alpha in the household.
JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
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THE GOLDEN HUNTER A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
S
weet, docile and affectionate, it's little wonder that when it comes to puppies, Golden Retrievers invariably leap to mind. Yes, all puppies are cute and adorable, but when it comes to Goldens, they're in a class of their own. There's something particularly heart-melting about these bundles of wriggling blond fur, with their oversized paws, soft brown eyes, alert tails and, the big velvet floppy ears. If you're lucky enough to adopt such a puppy, you can rest assured that when she finally grows into her paws, she'll be no less eye-catching as an adult. Regal, handsome and self-assured, Goldens cry out to be petted and gushed over. Their eye never lose that look of pure, unadulterated love and devotion, and their soft muzzles seem uncannily to gently smile. Many Goldens develop the disarmingly charming habit of leaning gently against the legs of strangers, asking to be adored. Such beauty and lovey-doveyness doesn't mean they're the "dumb blondes" of the canine world; these gentle beasts were bred for work and intelligence as well as looks and temperament. Records kept from 1835 until around 1890 by the gamekeepers at the Guisachan estate of Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland reveal that Golden Retrievers were developed in the 1800s by crossing a light-coloured Flat-Coated Retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Their purpose was, initially, to retrieve waterfowl, guaranteeing them a gentle mouth that will rarely snap or bite. Some still work as gun dogs or appear in field trials, but in city life they can more usually be seen as pampered family pets, and with good reason. Born to please, these 65- to 80-pound gentle beasts of the canine world are particularly patient with children, friendly with other dogs and people, and easy to train.
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“
Golden retrivers
love to
PLAY
”
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JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
Golden Golden Retrievers Retrievers are are particularly particularly patient patient with with children, children,
GOLDEN HUNTERS A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE They thrive on close human companionship, and want nothing more than to put a smile on the face of their owners. Given their over-achieving disposition, it comes as little surprise that the first three dogs of any breed to achieve the AKC Obedience Champion title, first available in July 1977, were all Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers are still the most popular seeing-eye and assistance dog, their even temperament and strength making it the ideal breed for such work. While other breeds can be too sensitive, high-strung, bouncy, or energetic for such responsibilities, Golden Retrievers fulfill these service roles with a nonchalant, self-confident manner. In return, they get nothing more than a bit of praise or a
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friendly with other dogs and people, and easy to train.
liver brownie. Non-working Goldens are happy to laze around the house without too much fuss, as long as they get their daily exercise. This is easy enough to take care of; these dogs live up to their name and will retrieve just about anything thrown for them, be it on land or in water. Just don't expect your Golden to guard your property-they may bark at unfamiliar sights and sounds, but are much more likely to smother an
intruder with wet kisses than to apprehend one. The total package of looks, brains and personality does not come without a price, however. As is the sad case with many highly popular breeds, the Golden Retriever has developed an increased incidence of certain medical problems, mainly through unscrupulous breeding. Allergic skin conditions, eye problems, obesity and hip dysplasia are all, unfortunately, common problems, which can often end up costing thousands of dollars in vet bills. The best way to avoid such issues is to deal only with reputable breeders, and to feed quality foods that inhibit huge growth spurts
JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
during puppyhood. Doing so will cost mo- If your dog is going to be outside a lot, re up front, but will pay off in the long make sure you've got a line that has run with a healthier, happier pet. a good coat. Sometimes show dogs have had the thick undercoat bred On the standard, there are really two out of the line. colors for Goldens; one is almost blond, the other is reddish to the point of Of course, simply owning a Golden Redark brown, and then everything in triever is not enough to ensure a ful between. The variation can be quite ext- filling bond. All puppies require socializreme and it's worth noting the British ation and exercise; a bored Golden standard now excludes red Goldens. How- Retriever can cause as much damage ever, this is really not an issue unless to a shoe collection as an anxiety-ridden you're thinking of moving to Britain and Border Collie.Close human contact is showing in U.K.competitions. Feathercrucial-but with a puppy this adorable, ing is also worth paying attention to. Some it's virtually impossible to leave him of these dog shave very heavy coats alone.The earlier you start obedience with very heavy feathering, which means training, the better for both you and your more grooming, while others look alGolden pup, who will do just about most like labs with very light feathering. anything to hear, "Good dog!" And whatever love and attention you give to a Golden Retriever, you're guaranteed to get it back.Man's best friend never looked so good.
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By Jessica Werb
“ Golden retrievers are not bred to be guard dogs, and considering the size of their hearts and their irrepressible joy in life, they are less likely to bite than to bark, less likely to bark than to lick a hand in greeting. In spite of their size, they think they are lap dogs, and in spite of being dogs, they think they are also human, and nearly everyhuman they meet is judged to have the potential to be a boon companion who might, at many moment, cry, “Let's go!” and lead them on a great adventure.”
Dean Koontz
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bad dog breath? SEPT2014
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tip of the month Why It’s
Important
Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t just about fresh breath. It’s an essential part of good oral care, and good oral care is important to your dog’s overall health. Although most people aren’t aware of it, periodontal, or gum disease is a common, serious problem in dogs. Yet brushing your dog’s teeth can prevent it! Veterinarians estimate that 85 percent of dogs over five years of age suffer from periodontal disease, which develops when food particles and bacteria collect along the gum line a nd fo rm so ft depos its called plaque. Over time, the plaque turns into rock hard tartar. If tartar isn’t removed from your dog’s teeth, it will eventually inflame his gums. As the inflamed gums begin to separate from the teeth, pockets form in which more bacteria grow, causing periodontal disease to worsen. At this point, your dog can experience severe pain, lose teeth, form abscesses in his mouth and develop a bacterial infection that can spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys, liver, heart or brain. Periodontal disease is irreversible, so now is a great time to get started on a regular oral care regimen for your dog.
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When to Do It most dogs It’s ideal to brush your dog’s teeth daily, just like you brush your own. However, if your schedule doesn’t allow that, aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least several times a week. high risk dogs Smaller dogs and brachycephalic breeds—dogs with flat or short, broad snouts, like pugs and bull— dogs—may need more frequent brushing. Their teeth are often crowded together, which allows more plaque to accumulate and increases their risk of developing periodontal disease.
What You’ll Need The Brush Choose a tool that you’re comfortable using. Pet stores carry toothbrushes for dogs as well as small, plastic brushes that fit on your finger and special dental sponges. If these products don’t appeal to you or your dog, just wrap a piece of clean gauze around your finger instead. The Paste Purchase toothpaste made for dogs from a pet store or from your veterinarian. Pet toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors, including liver, mint, chicken and peanut butter. You may need to experiment with a few flavors to find out which one your dog prefers. Avoid using human toothpaste on your dog’s teeth. Keep in mind that your dog will end up swallowing a lot of the paste during brushing sessions, and ingesting a paste made for people might upset his stomach.
J T D G R APH I C S/ PH O T O R ESO UR C E K9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
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How to keep them cool under the sun. Review indoor dog parks, and dog gyms. Water, lakes, rivers, beaches, even pools.
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JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
8
Ways to BUST the BOREDOM
when it’s cold outside. try these ideas for keeping dogs active all year round.
Even though we tend to spend the winter months cooped up. its important for our pets to stay active. Behavior expert Dr. Ellen Lindell says if pets don’t have anything to do, they might resort to entertaining themselves with lessthan-desirable behaviors, like destroying your furniture or barking for attention. “Pets have a natural desire to be active,”’ she says. “They don't want to sit around day and night.” So, to keep your pets from going stir crazy this winter, consider these creative indoor activities that Dr. Lindell recommends.
ed and engaged. For example, a line of poles in an obstacle think of how many cats like course. Many agility trainers co follow a mouse pointer on have indoor facilities availaba computer screen. There le for the winter months or are even iPad apps for cats. during inclement weather. J u s t b e s u r e t o s u p e r v i s e Sound coo difficult? There your pet anytime it’s interact- are classes for every level ing with human technology. of ability,from coral novice to the more advanced. 3 Get agile Agility training involves mot- 4 Unleash the explorer ivating pets to navigate thro- Cats like to hunt, and they liugh obstacles) such as a hoop ke to explore hidden things. or runnel, to earn a treat. Dogs Put some paper cups througlove this, but it’s also a great hout the house and hide a tractivity for food-motivated eat inside a few of them. cats. Some people and their Cats will have to bat around pets compete in local and na- the cups to find the loot. Or, tional agility competitions. At empty a shelf and let your cat these events, handlers race sniff and explore the space against the clock and direct dead bugs included. “Cats 2 Power up their pet to jump hurdles. love to explore new environSometimes technolo- scale ramps burst through m e n t s , ” D r. L i n d e l l s a y s . gy for humans can tunnels traverse a seesaw, keep pets entertain- plus they also weave through
1 Click it Use this reward based training method to teach your dog tricks and activities. In clicker training, a distinct and consistent signal marks a desirable behavior of your pet in re~l t1me. Once you click, you follow the signal with a motivating reward, like a treat. Because animals understand which action earned the click and their reward, they learn new behaviors quickly and enthusiastically.
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5 Nose around Nose work, a variation of search and rescue, is a popular way to keep dogs moving by tapping into their natural scenting abilities. During this activity, dogs learn now to search for a certain object , such as a treat or a toy-something that they love and are motivated to hunt for. For example, they may systematically explore boxes you’ve put out for them to find a few bits of kibble. You can take classes to learn how to effectively do nose work. 6 Create something Make a plaything for your pet by poking a hole in a plastic milk jug so food comes out when your pet rolls it around. Think beyond the box. “Pets like to nudge and look and sniff,” Dr. Lindell says. “If it’s different, it can be fun for them.” Be sure to monitor your pet while playing to make sure it doesn’t ch~ through toys or ingest any chewed up bits. 7 Give entertainment When it comes to dogs in particular, the market is filled with toys they can chew or lick to keep themselves entertained. Just make sure to look for a toy that your dog can’t destroy too easily one that’s sturdy and doesn’t have pieces that will come off. If you’re ever unsure, ask your vetenarian.
JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta R osa CA
8 Make a play date If your pooch loves the dog park, bring the fun indoors. There are lots of indoor playgroups hosted by companies that specialize in doggie daycare, as well as by pet owners. Can’t find one near you? Schedule your own with your family and friends. Be proactive keep active.
By Amanda Bertholf
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Water , lakes , rivers , beaches, even pools July 7, 2006 by Pamela Dennison
OK, so a few weeks ago, I went away for the weekend. I desperately needed a break. A friend of mine was going to Canine Water Sports camp for the weekend, so I decided to tag along. A few of my students had been to this before, but I just couldn't see the big attraction. All of my dogs know how to swim and I really had no idea what this was going to be about. I figured it wouldn't be too boring, but I knew Deborah Lee was a positive trainer and like I said, I desperately needed a break and a weekend away. WELL! I was in for the shock of my life. I LOVED IT! I never would have imagined how totally thrilling it is to be swimming with your dog. I was only allowed to work with one dog and decided to use Shadow because he is my best trained dog (I thought I would have no chance with Emma or Beau actually doing a stay on shore and wasn't really all that certain Shadow would do it). I learned (among other things) the importance of warming up and stretching your dog before swim ming them (yes I really already knew this but like so many people, I was lazy - heck, I never even stretch myself before competing). We started out doing some groundwork behaviors - hand targeting (which Shadow already knows) and a new behavior of circling around me a few times, I use the word "Help!" remember to be constitant with terms. I then taught Shadow to stay with me in the water first with just walking parallel to shore in shallow water and then gradually going farther out until he was swimming next to me. He loves the water and I really did not think he would be able to do even that and not go crazy. After a few reps of that, we worked on having him stay on shore while I walked out into the water. He actually stayed until I called him. He swam out to me and I had him do his new behavior of "Help!" and then swam with him around some buoys and then back to shore. To say I was excited beyond belief is an understatement. I cannot describe the thrill that went through me to see my little guy swimming with me and stay-
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JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
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JT D GRA P H I C S / P H OT O RES OURC E K 9 's , S anta Ro s a C A
ing with me around the 3 buoys. I have been practicing here at home (I live on a lake) and have subsequently been back for a private lesson (In CT), where I could work all 3 of my dogs. (Pictures to come soon!) Emma is rapidly reaching Shadow's level and Beau is starting to be a little more confident. (He has a funny body type that makes him an awkward swimmer) I am working on building their endurance and Deborah Lee gave me some exercises to work on with them. I also found out (not that I had any doubt) that all 3 of them will do a "submerged retrieve" (I am not quite sure what this is called, but entails puting their entire head under water and retrieving an object. This is the first step to teaching them to dive under water not to be confused with dock diving). They are also learning to retrieve an object and bring it back to me while I am still in the water. Not an easy thing to change, since they are used to me throwing toys out in the water from shore, getting them and bringing them back to shore.
feet apart and 10 feet farther from shore. The two of you have to weave through them (like weave poles in agility) and then swim back to shore together. Your dog needs to be within arms ditance the entire time and you have to both get back to the "box." The next test is September 2 and I hope to have Shadow and possibly Emma ready to take the test. Canine Water Sports is a new sport started by Deborah Lee Riley and is open to all breeds, not just the typical water breeds. She ofers many different types of workshops for different size dogs and different age and skill levels.
I encourage all of you to check out this new and exciting dog sport! For more information,
wwwcaninewatersports.com
The Team Swim Test goes like this: Your dog is in a stay inside a "box" (4 pvc poles shaped like a square). You go out 50 feet into the water and you call your dog to you. Your dog has to swim around you for 30 seconds and then you swim off together to a line of 6 buoys, 10
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